The Rock's friend; a massive legend? 5 names who have been suggested to replace Triple H if he leaves WWE
Triple H took over the creative direction of WWE following Vince McMahon's initial retirement in the summer of 2022. The Game was appointed Chief Content Officer in September 2022. Despite the former chairman's return in 2023, Triple H retained his position. Earlier this year, the Paul 'Triple H' Levesque era was ushered in after his father-in-law left the company again amid being sued by former employee Janel Grant for alleged sex trafficking and sexual abuse.
As the 14-time World Champion remains the only person related to the McMahon family in WWE, some have been speculating that TKO could let him go in the upcoming months. A few names have also been suggested as possible replacements for Triple H, including a close friend of The Rock and a former associate of Vince McMahon.
Here's a look at five names who have been suggested to replace Triple H if he leaves WWE:
#5. WWE Executive Director Bruce Prichard
Before working with Triple H, Bruce Prichard was a close associate of Vince McMahon for many years. He is currently the Stamford-based company's Executive Director - CWT.
On an edition of the Behind The Turnbuckle podcast, former WWE employee Tommy Carlucci suggested Prichard could be the one to succeed Triple H if TKO let The Game go.
"I would say Bruce Prichard. Now, if you're talking about a TKO guy, I don't know. I would think Bruce, because Bruce had TV production behind him. He knows all the boys; he negotiates contracts, I'm sure. I think he's probably Triple H's right-hand man. If Triple H stepped down, no doubt in my mind Nick Khan would appoint Bruce Prichard," he said.
The 61-year-old has recently taken a leave of absence from WWE due to family reasons.
#4. Former WWE head writer Brian Gewirtz
Former WWE head writer Brian Gewirtz is a close friend of current TKO board member The Rock. He is also The Final Boss' business partner. In a recent episode of his The Brand podcast, wrestling veteran Vince Russo claimed Gewirtz could replace Triple H.
Russo predicted that The King of Kings would be gone from the Stamford-based company in 2025, pointing out that The Rock would want to hire some of his people, with Gewirtz being on the top of that list.
"I think Hunter will be gone from the WWE in 2025. Ari Emanuel has The Rock on the board. Ari Emanuel and The Rock have a very, very, very long relationship. And The Rock is so key to this because why do I need Triple H if I got The Rock? You don't think The Rock doesn't have a laundry list of people that he'd want to hire and bring into the fold? Brian Gewirtz at the top of that list," he said.
Earlier this year, Ryback predicted that Gewirtz could replace The Game. Meanwhile, during an interview with Booker T's Hall of Fame podcast in 2023, Gewirtz claimed he would return to pro wrestling full-time if The Rock returned to the Stamford-based promotion.
#3. WWE Hall of Famer Paul Heyman
In addition to his legendary work on screen, Paul Heyman has significantly contributed to the creative aspect for many years in the Stamford-based company.
On the Behind The Turnbuckle podcast, former Interim RAW General Manager Jonathan Coachman suggested the legendary manager could be Triple H's successor if The Game departed the promotion.
"You brought up a name, and this could always be a name that you could throw into that hat, and that's Paul Heyman," he said.
While Heyman continues to help superstars creatively backstage, the Hall of Famer is currently absent from TV. The veteran was last seen in June 2024 when Solo Sikoa's Bloodline took him out after he refused to acknowledge the former NXT North American Champion as his Tribal Chief.
#2. WWE President Nick Khan
While discussing the recently filed "Ring Boys" lawsuit against TKO on his Wrestling with the Devil podcast, Lee Cole, brother of former WWE ring boy Tom Cole, predicted that Triple H and other top executives would eventually be deposed.
Lee also predicted that TKO would let The Game and other top names who have worked closely with the former chairman of the company go. Meanwhile, he claimed WWE President Nick Khan would take over and be completely in charge.
"Mark my words. You'll see this man [Nick Khan] take over. Right now, he's kind of in charge already, but he's gonna really be in charge. He'll bring in his whole regime and stuff, and he'll be part of the changes. And they're not gonna deal with these guys like Prichard. They're not gonna deal with a Triple H anymore because they can't. They have to answer to their stockholders," he said.
Triple H previously praised Khan. He pointed out that Nick was "the biggest difference-maker" in the new era.
#1. WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels
Shawn Michales is currently the company's Senior Vice President of Talent Development. The legendary wrestler and Triple H's best friend is also the head of the creative process in NXT.
On an edition of the Behind The Turnbuckle podcast, wrestling veteran Jonathan Coachman proposed the name of The Heartbreak Kid as a potential replacement for Triple H.
"I don't know if Shawn Michaels could, but I know that he's got a lot of respect from the NXT crowd. He's Triple H's right hand. So, I never thought that Shawn would embrace being a teacher, but from everything I've heard, he's fantastic. So, I think Shawn could be one," he said.
The Cerebral Assassin has been vocal about his admiration for his best friend's work in NXT. He recently congratulated HBK for putting together NXT's No Mercy Premium Live Event.